Outdoor Thermal Comfort Analysis in the New Urban Context in Dubai

The main aim of the study is to investigate passive cooling performance in new outdoor urban spaces in the harsh hot humid climate of Dubai city. The motive of the study is to help planners and designers to shape urban blocks and buildings to respond to the concern of wind patterns and outdoor comfort levels; and to guarantee access to proper levels of wind velocities. The study depended on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology. Three cases were simulated for Al-Mankhoul area in Dubai with laminar and turbulent windflow. The standard k-ε model was used as the turbulence model. Reasonable results were obtained and analyzed using the Beaufort scale and other previous research findings. One of the main concerns was that the new urban context created eddies especially at the back of tall buildings. Possible solutions are suggested. The study helps to establish the grounds for more future investigation.